Living in a flat
Pets in flats: what your lease says
Consent, conditions and the effect of the Renters’ Rights Act.
Reviewed by Mark Cunningham AssocRICS MTPI MIFSM, Leasehold Director. Last reviewed 3 October 2026.
Leases handle pets in three ways: an outright ban, a ban unless the landlord consents, or no mention at all.
If consent is needed
Ask in writing before the pet arrives. Consent can come with conditions, such as keeping dogs on leads in common parts.
If you rent out your flat
Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, a private tenant can ask to keep a pet and the landlord cannot unreasonably refuse. A refusal can be reasonable where the head lease forbids pets or the superior landlord refuses consent.
How we can help
Full block managementSite staffWe provide block management across Southport, Churchtown and Kew, Birkdale and Ainsdale, Formby, Ormskirk and Aughton, Crosby and Maghull, Bootle and Litherland, Liverpool, Hesketh Bank and Tarleton and Preston, Penwortham and Longton. For the law in brief, see Know the law.General information about the law in England, not advice on a particular building.